Police show compassion for boy trying to steal Christmas gifts for sister

by JARROD CLAY

Charleston police said a teenager who stole from a Kanawha County Kmart was doing so in hopes of providing a happy Christmas for his sister. (WCHS/WVAH)

CHARLESTON, W.V. (WCHS/WVAH) —

Charleston police said a teenager who stole from a Kanawha County Kmart was doing so in hopes of providing a happy Christmas for his sister.

Charleston police said they were responding to a 15-year-old who was attempting to leave the store with stolen items.

When police located the teen, they learned that he had taken the stocking and toboggan to give to his sister for a Christmas gift.

After learning the boy was less fortunate, Ptlm. Rinehart and Smith returned to Kmart with the boy and the incident was worked out with a handshake and an apology.

Rinehart and Smith then purchased the items for the boy to give to his sister for Christmas.

Facebook post from Charleston Police Department Community Services said, “Crime and enforcement is not always black and white. I’m proud that our officers have the compassion to see the difference between an act of greed or feeding habits and someone who has no other way to provide.”